Buffalo Sabres Weekly Three Stars: Feb. 9

This past week, the Buffalo Sabres snapped a 14-game losing streak, won two of four games played, and matched a franchise record for the fewest shots taken in a game (10). There were ups and downs, good moments and bad, over the past week, and when all was said and done on Sunday night, there were a few players who stood out as the top guys for the Buffalo Sabres through the week.

Before we go over those players, here’s a quick recap of the past week.

First, the Buffalo Sabres visited the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. Drew Stafford, Matt Moulson and Brian Gionta all scored as the Buffalo Sabres broke their 14-game losing streak and defeated the Habs for the third time this season by a score of 3-2.

The Buffalo Sabres then faced a trio of games at home. First up was the St. Louis Blues, who defeated the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 3-0. Next up was former Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff and the Dallas Stars. The Sabres rallied back and won that one, 3-2.

Finally, the New York Islanders came to town Sunday afternoon and defeated the Sabres by a score of 3-2 after holding the team to just 10 shots through 60 minutes of play.

So — who were the biggest movers and shakers for the Buffalo Sabres over the past week?

1. Drew Stafford

At times, Drew Stafford played like a man possessed this weekend. He appeared to have a step in his game, a fire, an energy that wasn’t there before.

Stafford now has nine goals on the season, two of which came over the past week. He played just under 61 minutes of ice time total through four games this week and registered six shots on goal.

He also had two hits, one attempt blocked and won 89 percent of his faceoffs.

There’s been a lot of talk about Stafford being on the trade block. If that is the case, his play over the past week certainly could be a trigger to teams taking notice.

2. Brian Gionta

How about the Buffalo Sabres captain, who also stepped up this week?

Gionta had an overall 11 shots in four games this week – including two of the Buffalo Sabres’ 10 shots in Sunday’s loss to the New York Islanders.

He also registered a goal against his former team in the opening game of the week that saw the Buffalo Sabres break their 14-game losing streak.

Overall, Gionta also had five attempts blocked, three hits and three blocked shots in 75:20 ice time through four games.

3. Tyler Myers

Myers continues to play huge minutes for the Buffalo Sabres. He played more than 23 minutes in three of four games this week and ended the four-game stand with 92:39 ice time.

Despite notching an overall minus-3 rating and eight penalty minutes – including six in Sunday’s loss – he had a goal and an assist for the team this week.

Myers also had 10 blocked shots, including four against the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

He had three hits, one takeaway and one attempt blocked, as well as three shots on goal himself.

Tyler Myers destroys 6-2, 210-lb. Jamie Benn. [GIF] #DALvsBUF pic.twitter.com/HM12Htfyu9
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 8, 2015

Honorable Mentions

This week, I’ll throw out two honorable mentions.

First up will be forward Tyler Ennis. Ennis had an outstanding seven hits this week, including four in Sunday’s game against the Islanders. He had one goal and three total shots through the week. The downfall: he was an overall minus-4 for the week and registered a minus-2 rating in three of four games this week.

The other honorable mention this week: Buffalo Sabres goaltender Jhonas Enroth. He faced 103 shots in three games this week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) and allowed six goals, good for a 0.941 save percentage over the course of the week.

A Look Ahead

After playing four games in six nights last week, the upcoming week is a much lighter one for the Buffalo Sabres.

They’ll host the Ottawa Senators at First Niagara Center on Tuesday, then host the Philadelphia Flyers at FNC on Sunday.